Looked after young people at risk of offending: their views of a mixed-gender placement

Changes to residential child care placements, from single-gender to mixed-gender, highlighted limitations in research and guidance on the use and management of such placements. To begin consideration of this topic, this study explored experiences of young people living in a mixed-gender residential placement. Thematic analysis, using an inductive approach, elicited themes from interviews with seven girls and boys residing in one residential placement. The analysis highlighted one global theme Gender should be considered, but is not a priority -and four organising themes Mixed gender living is normal and beneficial; Living with other people is difficult, regardless of gender; Gender has its place and Other issues are more relevant. The analysis highlighted the relevance of gender focused research and exploring service users experiences. Exploring young people's experiences provided a starting point to the question of 'single-gender versus mixed-gender placements', providing vital insight into areas that warrant further exploration and areas of development that may improve the management of mixed-gender residential placements.